FTA proposes tighter rules for state oversight of rail transit systems

The proposal would give state safety oversight agencies new authority and responsibilities to ensure the safety of public rail transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 20, 2023

Generative AI is here. This is how 5 cities plan to manage its use.

Guidelines aim to help government employees navigate the use of generative artificial intelligence tools while maintaining privacy, ethics and city values.

By Paige Gross • Nov. 16, 2023

3 steps for getting urban innovation pilots out of ‘purgatory’

A road map for New York City recommends taking a “challenge-based” approach to procurement and beefing up startup infrastructure.

By Paige Gross • Nov. 15, 2023

Meet Houston’s first emergency preparedness manager for vulnerable communities

Houstonians with disabilities have previously been unable to access emergency shelters and evacuation plans due to limited emergency preparedness outreach, a city official said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 10, 2023

Lack of funding still stands in the way of California’s local climate policy

This finding in a report released Thursday is “very surprising” considering recent historic federal and state investments, said a co-author at the University of California Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy and the Environment.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 9, 2023

Cities tackle rising pedestrian deaths

Experts cite risky, distracted and impaired driving — as well as less traffic enforcement — as factors sending pedestrian fatalities to new highs. Can new funding reverse the tide?

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 6, 2023

Advocates hope federal funding will help stem the tide of pedestrian deaths

Complete Streets, Vision Zero and the safe system approach all aim to improve pedestrian safety. The federal government is finally putting big dollars behind the effort, too.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 3, 2023

Can Sun Belt cities go from danger zones to pedestrian-friendly?

Tucson, Jacksonville, Los Angeles and other fast-growing, car-centric cities are focusing on street design and other strategies to slow drivers.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 2, 2023

US drivers kill 20 pedestrians a day. Here’s what cities are doing about it.

Targeted interventions aim to reduce the higher pedestrian death rates in communities of color and low-income communities and make cities more walkable for all.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 1, 2023

Why payments to government agencies should be easier

“Increasingly, government agencies — and the people they serve — need a payments system that is connected across departments and jurisdictions,” writes one payments executive.

By Sloane Wright • Oct. 25, 2023

Congress grapples with how to pay for highways, transit

As the Highway Trust Fund, which relies mainly on fuel taxes, sees diminishing revenue from a growing number of EVs and more fuel-efficient vehicles, state and federal officials look to alternatives.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 19, 2023

Why Los Angeles’ climate plan has ‘outlived its usefulness’: city controller

The new report says the plan has the same shortcoming as those in many other cities: a lack of meaningful metrics. What should the California city do now? 

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 16, 2023

Notable 2024 conferences for smart city leaders

Newly added events focus on traffic safety, technology and green infrastructure.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated Aug. 2, 2024

New York’s traffic congestion pricing plan: What we know so far

A review board discussed toll fees, credits and charges for taxi and ride-hailing passengers as it prepares to issue recommendations for the first-in-the-nation program.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 3, 2023

FMCSA awards over $125 million in grants to increase roadway safety

FMCSA awards $128 million in grants. Is your organization eligible for future funding?  

Oct. 2, 2023

Federal government shutdown: Here’s how it could impact cities, states and transportation

While most transit programs will be unaffected, some funding for Amtrak and state law enforcement initiatives could be delayed.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 29, 2023

Buttigieg grilled over rollout of infrastructure funds by House committee

Some Republican committee members questioned the pace of funding and its climate and equity aims while Democrats were largely supportive of the Biden administration's goals.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 21, 2023

Local leaders to have formal role in COP28 for the first time

"For the world to tackle climate change effectively, mayors and governors need a bigger seat at the table,” said UN special envoy Michael Bloomberg.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Sept. 20, 2023

NYC Council approves safety-focused e-bike and e-scooter trade-in program

The program would help owners upgrade to electric bikes and e-scooters that meet UL certification requirements set by a New York City law that took effect Sept. 16.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Sept. 21, 2023

EPA seeks advisers on ‘critical’ local government issues

The Environmental Protection Agency will pick up to five officials who represent local, state, tribal or territorial governments to serve one-year terms.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Sept. 8, 2023

How 2 big US transit agencies approach equity

Community members, small businesses and the agency's own workforce can provide crucial input to programs and projects, agency executives said.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 8, 2023

Commercial drone use to expand as FAA approves remotely piloted operations

The Federal Aviation Administration authorized three companies to fly drones outside the visual range of operators, amid mounting concerns about safety, privacy and noise.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 7, 2023

4 communities to build anti-racist data ecosystems with $5M from foundations

Pittsburgh will use the grant to include Black communities “at the point where data is first discussed, before, sometimes, even the point of data collection,” said the city’s chief data officer.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 23, 2023

What managed retreat around the world can teach US cities

In a future where managed retreat relocations “become more and more popular,” a Stanford University researcher’s work may hold crucial lessons.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 21, 2023

Infrastructure holds top spot among US mayors’ priorities: NLC report

City residents put public safety at the top of their concerns, says co-author of the 2023 State of the Cities report from the National League of Cities. 

By Kalena Thomhave • Aug. 3, 2023